Things To Do
in Conchal

Conchal is a pristine coastal town on Brazil’s northern São Paulo coast, famed for its powdery white sands and turquoise, calm waters. The area blends a relaxed, resort-like vibe with upscale beachfront scenes and easy access to nearby surf towns. It’s a haven for families and couples who want beach days, seafood, and sunset drinks without the crowds of bigger cities.

Accessible by car from São Paulo, Conchal combines easy travel with a serene seaside atmosphere.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Conchal
morning
:

Arrive at the Conchal airport, where a warm welcome awaits you. Take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local delicacies.

afternoon
:

Explore the lush surroundings on a guided nature hike, where you can witness the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visit the local artisan market to browse handmade crafts and souvenirs. Relish a traditional Brazilian lunch at a nearby restaurant.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a tranquil walk along Conchal's picturesque coastline. Dine at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while listening to the soothing sound of waves. Complete your day with a stargazing session on the beach, marveling at the clear night sky.

day 2
Beach Day Relaxation
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing yoga session on the beach, harnessing the serenity of the ocean. Afterward, indulge in a hearty breakfast at a local café, featuring tropical fruits and pastries. Spend the morning lounging and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

afternoon
:

Join a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant underwater world, where you'll encounter colorful fish and coral reefs. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch on a secluded beach. After swimming, relax in the sun while sipping on fresh coconut water.

evening
:

Head back to town to freshen up before dinner. Experience the lively ambience of a local food festival, where you can sample regional dishes and enjoy live music. End your evening with a lively dance class to learn the local rhythms.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🏖️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🏨1-night stay in mid-range hotel$60-120
🛒Groceries for a week$40-100
Gasoline (per liter)$1.20-1.60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Pristine beaches with calm water and scenic sunsets
  • Easy access from São Paulo with a relaxed vibe
  • Great seafood and beachside dining
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger beach towns
  • Seasonal crowds during holidays
  • Public transport options are more limited; a car helps
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Eu não falo português" - I don’t speak Portuguese

Places to Visit in Conchal

Visit one of these nice places.

Praia de Conchal

Iconic white sands and turquoise waters provide dramatic sunrise and sunset shots with minimal foreground clutter.

Juquehy Cliff Overlook

Rocky headlands and sweeping ocean views ideal for wide-angle landscape captures at golden hour.

Maresias Beach

Long shoreline with surfers and dynamic wave action; great for action shots and sunset silhouettes.

Cambury Beach Dunes

Dune formations and sea cave shadows offer interesting textures for creative beach photography.

Ilhabela – Pico do Baepi (island viewpoint via boat and hike)

Panoramic island views from a climb and lookout point; spectacular for dramatic coastal landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Conchal

Conchal’s coastal cuisine centers on fresh seafood and simple Brazilian beach fare, with plenty of grilled fish, shrimp, and accompaniment choices that suit casual days by the water.

Conchal Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Peixe na Telha

Fresh fish baked on a clay tile with peppers, onions, and herbs, usually served with rice and salad at seaside restaurants.

Must-Try!

Peixe grelhado com acompanhamentos

Grilled fish with rice, beans, farofa, and a light vinaigrette—simple, wholesome, and widely available on the coast.

Moqueca de peixe

Fish stewed in coconut milk with peppers and herbs; comforting and widely offered in beachside eateries.

Pastel de camarão

Shrimp-filled pastries common at street stalls and lanchonetes along the beachfront.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Caraguatatuba

Traditional market with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for a quick bite or to grab picnic ingredients.

Climate Guide

Weather

The coast enjoys a warm, tropical climate with year-round warmth. The rainy season runs roughly from October to March, bringing humidity and brief tropical showers, while the dry season from May to September features lighter rain and pleasant sea breezes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite greeting like Bom dia/Boa tarde goes a long way; use short pleasantries when entering shops or cafes.

Beach Etiquette

Respect quiet hours on residential beaches; avoid loud behavior near families and respect wildlife and local rules.

Photography

Ask consent before photographing people, especially on private property or in intimate settings.

Dress and modesty

Casual, beach-appropriate attire is standard; modest dress is appreciated in religious or traditional settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, so keep valuables secure and be mindful of pickup points and crowded spots. Swim near lifeguard-approved areas and beware of currents and tides. Use reputable tour operators and transportation providers, especially at night.

Tipping in Conchal

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% is common in casual eateries, higher at nicer restaurants or for exceptional service.

Payment Methods

Cash (BRL) is widely accepted, and most places accept credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Mobile payments (PIX) and contactless options are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December to February brings hot days, high humidity, and busy beaches. Expect crowds but long daylight hours for extended photos and outdoor activities; showers are common in the late afternoon.

Autumn

March to May offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Calm seas and good light for photography and kayaking.

Winter

June to August brings cooler breezes and comfortable beach weather. Sea remains inviting, though water can be cooler; great for long beach walks and outdoor exploration.

Spring

September to November sees warming days and rising sea temperatures, with pleasant conditions for hiking and beach time.

Nightlife Guide

Conchal at Night

Nightlife in Conchal is generally low-key, with beachside bars and casual live music. For more vibrant scenes, many visitors head to nearby towns like Maresias or Cambury, where clubs, open-air venues, and late-night dining options are more common.

Hiking in Conchal

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ilhabela Island Trails

A network of jungle trails across Ilhabela offering waterfalls, viewpoints, and waterfall swims; best explored with a guide.

Coastal trails near Juquehy and Cambury

Easy to moderate hikes with ocean views, rocky headlands, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Conchal by plane.

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

Major international gateway; typically about 150-200 km from Conchal with highway transfers to the coast.

Congonhas Airport (CGH)

City-focused airport in São Paulo; convenient for connecting flights to domestic destinations and then onward to the coast.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is good along the beachfront and within small resort areas; the town itself is compact, but to reach the surrounding beaches and towns you’ll likely need a car or rideshare. Expect longer walks on sunny days and limited sidewalks in some stretches.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Residents from nearby towns with a strong fishing and beach culture.

Domestic and international tourists

Weekenders from São Paulo and other Brazilian states; international visitors during peak seasons.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

Maresias and Cambury beaches are renowned for surfing and attract enthusiasts of all levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Coastal traffic can be heavy on weekends and holidays due to vacationers traveling to the coast. The main routes are the BR-101 and SP-055 (Rodovia dos Tamoios); plan extra time during peak season and consider off-peak travel for a smoother experience.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Conchal.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in beachside restaurants; look for salads, rice and beans, vegetables, and dishes prepared without meat. When in doubt, ask for vegetable-based entrées or sauces prepared without meat stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare options include private clinics in São Sebastião and Caraguatatuba, with hospitals in nearby towns. For non-emergency situations, travel insurance and private clinics are recommended; in emergencies call 192 (Samu) or 193 (Bombeiros).

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide